SHERMAN, TX (11.11.21) - After a slow start to the game, the No. 15-ranked UT Dallas women's basketball team found its rhythm late in the opening quarter and cruised to a 74-44 road win over Austin College Thursday night in the Comets' season opener.
Paris Kiser led the balanced Comet scoring attack with a game-high 15 points, hitting 8-of-10 shots from the free-throw line. Kiser added seven rebounds and six assists, both also game highs, as UTD outscored the host 'Roos (0-1), 57-31, over the final three periods.
The Comets (1-0) held a slim 17-13 lead after the first 10 minutes of play, but would hold AC to just three field goals over the second period, to extend their lead to 15 points, 37-22, at the break. The squad's defensive momentum continued into the third quarter, holding the 'Roos to just 2-of-16 shooting, to expand UTD's cushion to 52-29 heading to the final frame.Â
UTD then cleared the bench for the fourth quarter, playing 13 players in the period, and still managed to outscore the 'Roos, 22-15, to complete the 30-point victory.Â
The Comets took advantage of their opportunities at the line, hitting 19-of-32 free throws as a team, while shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range. UTD out-rebounded the 'Roos, 58-35.
Jordan Maxwell came off the bench for 13 points, joining Kiser as the only other Comet in double digits in the lop-sided victory.
Anna Jefferson-Polk and
Diane Hurst each added eight points.
Jordan Rudd matched Kiser's rebounding high with seven boards of her own.
The Comets will return to action next Thursday, Nov. 18, when they host Belhaven in the squad's home and ASC opener. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m. at the UTD Activity Center.
